Ep 74 - 80 Years in Business: Past, Present & Future of Lewis Automotive

Описание: Leadership, adaptability, problem-solving, and long-term vision drive Episode 74 of Crossroad Conversations. In this episode, the Lewis Brothers break down what it truly takes to stay in business for 80 years, and why being solution-based matters more than circumstances, especially when unexpected challenges like winter storms and business slowdowns hit.

The conversation starts with how Lewis Automotive Group began in Northwest Arkansas, tracing roots back to entrepreneurship in the late 1800s and the early days of the Ford dealership on the town square. The brothers explain how location, opportunity, and willingness to evolve have shaped every major move the business has made over the decades.

They discuss how many of the same challenges still exist today — inventory shortages, transportation issues, financing, and staffing — and why leadership response is often the only variable that can change the outcome. From repairing lawn equipment during tough times to shifting operations during modern supply shortages, the episode shows how adaptability has always been part of survival.

A major focus of the episode is how businesses should respond when snow and severe weather shut down normal customer traffic but expenses continue. The brothers explain forecasting, daily targets, and why downtime must be used for training, customer outreach, recalls, and preparation instead of waiting for conditions to improve.

They also unpack leadership during uncertainty, including how communication, flexibility, and shared effort build trust with employees. From management working alongside the team to adjusting schedules and expectations, the episode highlights how culture is shaped during the hardest days, not the easy ones.

The episode shifts into a powerful story about turning setbacks into opportunity, including a past boat show disaster that became an in-house sales win by changing strategy instead of quitting. That mindset of turning problems into progress continues to guide decisions today.

The brothers then move into generational business, explaining why real longevity requires vision, accountability, and buy-in from the next generation. They discuss why entitlement kills growth, why ownership must be earned, and how long-term success requires constant reinvestment and evaluation of systems that once worked.

The episode closes by focusing on future opportunity, including expanding detailing capacity, building accessory operations, and identifying new services within existing customer relationships. The central message remains clear: long-lasting businesses survive by adapting, staying uncomfortable, and constantly finding solutions.

KEYWORDS
leadership, family business, small business growth, adaptability, problem-solving, business strategy, long-term success, entrepreneurship, company culture, accountability, forecasting, weather impact on business, Northwest Arkansas

TAKEAWAYS

Longevity requires constant adaptation, not comfort
Leadership response matters more than circumstances
Downtime should be used for training and preparation
Clear communication builds trust during uncertainty
Culture is revealed during hard situations
Growth requires vision and accountability across generations
Entitlement kills momentum and ownership mindset
Opportunities exist inside existing businesses

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Staying productive during slowdowns
01:23 Episode intro and 80-year overview
03:14 What’s in the garage: Ranger Raptor
04:23 Early entrepreneurship and Ford store history
07:56 Challenges that never change in business
12:17 Forecasting and snow shutdown impact
18:14 Using downtime for training and outreach
23:06 Turning setbacks into opportunity
29:36 Taking responsibility and controlling outcomes
38:03 Why only 1% of businesses last
45:21 Generational vision and ownership
52:32 Why businesses fail after succession
59:11 Future growth opportunities